Understanding notary fees is an important part of planning any legal, business, or personal transaction in Dubai. Whether you are notarising a power of attorney, corporate resolution, or property-related document, clients frequently ask how much notarisation costs and whether fees differ between public and private notary services.
This FAQ explains the fee structure for Notary Public Dubai services, the factors that influence costs, and how Dubai lawyers help clients choose the most cost-effective and appropriate option.
Are Notary Public Fees Regulated in Dubai?
Yes. Fees charged by public notary services in Dubai are regulated by judicial authorities and follow an official schedule. These fees are standardised and apply uniformly across government notary offices.
Private notary services, usually provided by Dubai lawyers, are not bound by the same fixed fee schedule. Their fees vary depending on the nature of the service, document complexity, urgency, and additional legal support provided.
Public Notary Fees in Dubai
Public notary fees are generally lower and predictable. They are ideal for individuals and businesses with standard documents that do not require legal drafting or advisory services.
Common Public Notary Fee Categories
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits and declarations
- Contract notarisation
- Certified true copies
- Commercial authorisations
The exact amount depends on the document type, length, and legal classification. Public notary services do not usually include legal advice or document drafting.
Private Notary Fees in Dubai
Private notary fees are higher because they often include additional services beyond notarisation. These services are commonly delivered by experienced Dubai lawyers.
What Private Notary Fees May Cover
- Legal drafting or review of documents
- Faster or same-day processing
- Flexible appointment scheduling
- Mobile or on-site notarisation
- Online or electronic notarisation assistance
Clients choosing private notary services pay for convenience, speed, and legal expertise.
Factors That Affect Notary Public Fees in Dubai
Several factors influence how much notarisation costs:
- Type of Document
Corporate and property documents typically cost more than personal documents due to legal complexity.
- Document Length and Complexity
Long agreements or documents with specialised clauses require more review.
- Public vs Private Notary
Public notary services follow fixed pricing, while private notary services are flexible.
- Urgency
Urgent or express notarisation usually costs more.
- Additional Legal Services
Drafting, translation, and legal advice increase overall cost.
Dubai lawyers usually provide fee transparency upfront to avoid surprises.
Fees for Powers of Attorney
Powers of attorney are among the most commonly notarised documents.
- Public Notary Dubai: Lower, fixed government fee
- Private Notary (Dubai Lawyers): Higher fee but faster and more flexible
Private notary services are often chosen for urgent property or business-related powers of attorney.
Fees for Corporate Document Notarisation
Corporate documents generally involve higher fees due to verification requirements.
Examples include:
- Memorandum of Association
- Board and shareholder resolutions
- Commercial powers of attorney
- Authorised signatory documents
Dubai lawyers often bundle legal drafting and notarisation into a single service, which can be more efficient for businesses.
Fees for Property-Related Notarisation
Property documents must comply with strict legal and regulatory requirements, which can affect fees.
Common property-related notarised documents include:
- Property powers of attorney
- Settlement agreements
- Ownership declarations
Private notary services are frequently used for property transactions due to time sensitivity and legal risk.
Are Online and e-Notary Services More Affordable?
Electronic notarisation can reduce indirect costs such as travel and waiting time. However, the notarisation fee itself may be similar to in-person services.
Clients often use e-notary services when:
- They are located outside the UAE
- They require faster processing
- Physical attendance is not possible
Dubai lawyers help assess eligibility and manage the digital notarisation process efficiently.
Do Notary Fees Include Document Drafting?
Public notary fees do not include document drafting or legal advice. The notary only authenticates the document.
Private notary services, offered by Dubai lawyers, may include drafting, review, and legal consultation within the fee or as an add-on service.
Are Notary Fees Refundable if a Document Is Rejected?
Generally, notary fees are non-refundable if a document is rejected due to errors, missing information, or non-compliance.
This is why working with Dubai lawyers before notarisation is advisable—they reduce the risk of rejection and unnecessary expense.
How to Minimise Notary Public Costs in Dubai
You can reduce notarisation costs by:
- Preparing documents correctly in advance
- Ensuring accurate translations
- Using public notary services for simple documents
- Avoiding urgent processing when possible
- Consulting Dubai lawyers early to avoid mistakes
Proper preparation often saves both time and money.
Public vs Private Notary Fees: Which Is Better?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Public Notary Is Best When:
- Documents are simple and standard
- Cost control is a priority
- No legal advice is required
Private Notary Is Best When:
- Documents are complex or high-value
- Speed and flexibility matter
- Legal guidance is needed
Both options fall under the Notary Public Dubai system and are legally valid.
Hidden Costs to Be Aware Of
Clients should also consider indirect costs such as:
- Certified translation fees
- Attestation or legalisation costs
- Travel or courier expenses
- Time delays caused by document rejection
Dubai lawyers often provide a full cost overview at the start of the process.
Conclusion: Understanding Notary Public Dubai Fees
Notary fees in Dubai vary depending on whether public or private services are used, the complexity of the document, and the urgency of the request
